Grants

Federal Pell Grant

The Federal Pell Grant is a federally funded program. To be eligible, an applicant must be an undergraduate student who can demonstrate financial need. Grants range from $200 to $4,701 per academic year for Los Angeles Community College District students. The amount of the award, as determined by the Federal Pell Grant Program, is in most cases based on prior year income and current asset information provided in the application.

Students who want to apply for the Federal Pell Grant and other federal financial aid programs should use the Free Application for Student Aid.

In certain cases, a family's financial situation can change because of death, separation, or divorce, loss of a job, or loss of non-taxable income or benefits. In such cases, the student should contact the Financial Aid Office.

Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

What is FSEOG?

The Federal SEOG program is a federal program designed to supplement other sources of financial aid for students with exceptional need. FSEOG awards range from $200 to $400 per year. When students apply for financial aid, they will automatically be considered for this program. All applicants must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid in order to be considered.

The State Government: The Cal Grants

What is a CAL Grant?

The State of California, through the Student Aid Commission, sponsors several grant programs for undergraduate students. These include Cal Grants and a program to assist the dependents of law enforcement officers who have been killed or disabled in the line of duty. To qualify for any of the state-funded grants, a student must be a California resident, be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, obtain a Social Security number and be attending (or plan to attend) an eligible school or college in Californina. A student can receive only one Cal Grant, either Cal Grant A, B, or C.

Cal Grant A: Although this grant is used at a four year college, students are encouraged to apply for one while attending the Los Angeles Community Colleges. CAL GRANT A helps low and middle income students with tuition costs. Grant winners are selected on the basis of financial need and grade point average.

Cal Grant B: This grant provides a living allowance for college freshmen who come from very low income families. Because this grant is intended for students who would be unable to attend college without such help, CAL GRANT B awards are available only for students who have completed no more than one year of full-time college work.

Cal Grant C: This grant is intended for students who desire to train for specific occupations, vocations or technical careers, but who do not have the financial resources to enter training programs because they are from low to middle income families. Grants are limited to $530 at community colleges for programs ranging in length from four months to two years. Students must be enrolled in at least 6 units and demonstrate occupational achievement or aptitude in the chosen field.

To apply, students must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid and a G.P.A. verification form by the deadline date. The deadline to apply for the state grant programs is the March prior to the academic year in which the student intends to enroll. The forms are available from the campus Financial Aid Office.